Audit: Better Bookkeeping Needed for RAD-funded Parks

An audit from the Pittsburgh Controller's office recommends the city improve its accounting of employees who work in parks partially funded by the Regional Asset District.

Controller Michael Lamb said the accounting problem is that annual RAD funding pays the salaries of 65 workers at four city parks, but sometimes those employees work on non-RAD projects. Lamb said that's offset by city-paid employees working on duties meant to be funded by RAD, but the administration doesn't have the records to prove it.

If employees in the Department of Public Works kept better track of the hours they've worked in the four RAD parks, Lamb said the city would be able to prove to the District it's spending its parks funding appropriately.

In his audit, Lamb also recommended that the city seek additional RAD funding for the newly-eligible Emerald View Park on Grandview Avenue.

"I think the thing we need to get straight first is, let's get our record-keeping in order, so that we can show how much we're actually spending on these parks," said Lamb. "I think that helps us make a better case with the people at RAD."

Frick, Highland, Schenley, and Riverview Parks received a combined total of $4.7 million in RAD funding last year. Lamb said the city also spent much more than that to maintain the parks.